The ride to Deansgate was quiet at first. I was still exhausted from the attack and Milla wasn't sure how to start the conversation either. All of the truths were there sprawling at us and we knew each other's secrets. Avoiding the topic about Nick is plausible but awkward, asking whether I am okay could (or could not) traumatise me. Jumping straight to Nick is a bane.

However, the silence was all in vain. Seeing the restless look on her beautiful face I began the conversation, "You alright there?"

"What? No." she flinched but was relieved to hear my voice. "I mean it's you I should be worried about."

"I am okay, that's why I ask," I smiled. My short humor made her chuckle nervously.

"I am so, so sorry for what has happened. I didn't know how it escalated –"

"It's okay, Milla."

"No, it's not okay." She said breathlessly. "Nick still wants to run you through. I shouldn't have left you there alone. We could do this some other time, if you're not comfortable with it."

"No, please don't." I insisted. "He already had me by the cord waiting to pull my plug. So, it makes no difference if we put this on hold. But you already know me, some sort. Has my dossier been passed around?"

"Not that I know of." She replied looking puzzled.

I realised I was jumping too far to a conclusion, I held back my tongue and reconstructed my lines, "Nah. Nothing. I was just thinking who else would want my head on a platter."

"Nobody wants you dead, ZJ." Milla assured. "Nick is being Nick, terrorising people's minds. He's getting too big for his boots."

"What's your relation with Nick, by the way?" I blurted.

"Just casual sex," she answered nonchalantly. "No strings attached."

"Like... an escort?"

"Friends with benefits," Milla replied. "He has a whole range of fuck dolls in his speed dial. I was his occasional support but I pulled out. I need a new flicker.

"And then sources told me a non-male civilian on the streets confronted him," Milla continued. "Someone stupid enough to top herself and face Nick singlehandedly. I was thrilled though, to find out about her. And when she joined 23rd Scouts at Birch, I was elated."

My cheeks and ears flushed red with a small sense of pride and girl power prowess engraved to my soul. Did I just become an activist for female empowerment? I should write a memoir to this because who knows Nick could have my head anytime and send it to Borneo.

"So, I became his contender?" I asked.

"No, you are still that stupid person on the street," Milla chuckled.

"I take that as a compliment," I concurred and we both giggled.

"Look, if Nick ever shows his face around your area, you'll find me," Milla advised. "I'll make sure that he's off the grid."

"No, I can't do that, Milla. That's selfish." I refused. "I don't want a gorgeous girl like you getting hurt."

"I am on immunity, darling. I won't get hurt," she assured and curved her luscious lips to a flirtatious smile. "Come on, let's drop this. I am savoring the evening to solicit facts about you."

"Woah, the sound of it makes me feel important now."

"Haha! You're just an interesting person I'd like to know," she winked while taking the right turn into Jackson Row for an empty parking space. "Let's do this over a cup of tea."